The Carolina Panthers' first-team offense was awful.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young made his 2026 preseason debut on Saturday (8/15) against the Buffalo Bills and things did not go well for the Panthers' first-team offense.
Young and Co. played three series and went three-and-out all three series.
“Obviously not the start we wanted,” Young said. “We weren’t able to execute today. It sucks.”
Young went 3/5 through the air for 18 passing yards. He was sacked once.
“We all want to do a better job, myself included,” Young said. “We all take ownership in that. Guys will look in the mirror, want to be better, so we’re going to be better.”
Young is set to make $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million.
The first pick in the 2023 draft, Young has to play well again this season to earn an extension. If he struggles and the Panthers miss the postseason, the Alabama product may get traded next offseason.
Last season, Young finished with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
Young enters this season with 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform.
Even though the Panthers won the NFC South title last season, they finished with a sub-.500 record and needed help in Week 18 to win the division. It will be fascinating to see how Carolina does in 2026. The team will no longer fly under the radar after making the playoffs last season.
“I’m not a big sit back, reflect, compare (person). Doesn’t really do anything for me. So I don’t think about the past like that,” Young said. “I’m happy with the camp we’re having so far. I’m happy with the growth as a unit. But it’s still early. We’ve got a lot more to do.”
The Panthers open the 2026 season against the Chicago Bears at home.
